What is the right occasion for a BBQ?
Any occasion is appropriate for an Aussie to throw a BBQ. Traditionally they’re held in summer or when the weather is warm. A BBQ only needs a couple people to share a meal and good weather and then it’s a great day! Forget what you’ve heard about ‘shrimp on the barbie’, an Australian BBQ is all about fresh salads, sausages, steak and onions cooked to perfection. Of course there are no wrong or right foods to serve, it’s more about the spirit of sitting back and sharing food with your friends.
Who invented the BBQ?
Inspired by outdoor kitchens, charcoal pits and open fires, the first official BBQ was an outdoor gas grill invented in the early 1950s by Don McGlaughlin. From there the market exploded and they now come in gas-fueled, charcoal, electric, single burner, or many burner, built in or portable - there’s a BBQ for every occasion!
Best BBQ’s in Australia
When shopping for a BBQ, there’s a few things you should consider: what is your price range, what fuel do you want to burn, what size your BBQ needs to be (a portable one is good for campers or those with small balconies, while a large one is best suited to a backyard or big family), and if you need any extra features (such as a trolley, side burner for a wok, or a rotisserie). Your next step is to look at reviews and visit stores such as Bunnings, The Good Guys, Harvey Norman or Barbeques Galore.
10. Jumbuck 2 Burner Hooded BBQ
Perfect for a small backyard or large balcony, this two burner hooded BBQ is the perfect entry point for those looking to entertain friends and family. The Jumbuck 2 Burner uses gas to cook food to perfection.
Features: Roasting hood, large viewing window, gas bottle storage and built in trolley.
Price: $99.00
Where to buy: Bunnings
9. Sunbeam HG6600B Electric BBQ
Want a BBQ but don’t have room for a big grill or a gas bottle? Enter the Sunbeam HG6600B Electric BBQ. This electric barbecue uses a big 2400W of power to cook and sizzle your steaks and snags just like any BBQ that can chargrill can. This is one of the easiest to use BBQs on the market.
Features: Versatile grill plate for plating, dishwasher-safe grills for easy cleaning, swivel shelf and stand, cool touch handle, removable drip tray and an adjustable steam vent.
Price: RRP $259.00
Where to buy: Appliances Online
8. Napoleon R365PK-AU Rogue 365 2 Burner LPG BBQ
The Napoleon Rogue 2 Burner Gas Grill is small but mighty. The stylish, rust resistant exterior makes it a great outdoor BBQ choice. Unique wave shaped cooking grills evenly transfer heat for searing your meats and veggies. With Dual-Level Stainless Steel Sear Plates, your burners are protected and drippings are vaporised. With collapsible side tables, this BBQ can grow or shrink in size as needed.
Features: Porcelain-enamelled hood, corrosion resistant doors resist corrosion, stainless steel folding down side tables, Accu-Probe temperature gauge, removable drip tray, warming rack and transport wheels.
Price: RRP $795.00
Where to buy: Appliances Online
7. Matador 6 Burner Hooded Boss Built In BBQ
This built in BBQ will complement any backyard and provide big cook ups for the whole troop. The Matador 6 Burner Hooded Boss Built In has a zinc seal steel with grey powder coating with enamel cast iron burners and satin enamel cooking surfaces. The hood is self-cleaning, has a viewing window so you can watch your meat, and a temperature gauge so you never overcook.
Features: Rear radiant burner, front access drip tray, zoned cooking, grills and hotplates, and an enamel coated warming rack. This BBQ is compatible with natural gas.
Price: $799.00
Where to buy: Bunnings
6. BeefEater Discovery 1000E 5-Burner Enamel BBQ
This BeefEater BBQ has porcelain enamel coated cast-iron hotplate and grill, plus an enamel roasting hood with integrated temperature gauge and warming rack. The Discovery is natural gas compatible. A sleek design, this large BBQ is great for the family that loves to host.
Features: 5 burners plus a side burner, temperature gauge, warming rack, rust-resistant and easy to clean. Easy to move thanks to the wheels, it also comes with extras like a rotisserie kit and accessories pack.
Price: $999.00
Where to buy: Harvey Norman
5. Traeger TFB78GLEC Pro 780 Wood Pellet Grill
If you love the smell of wood fire, this BBQ is perfect for you. This wood-pellet grill delivers smokey flavour and delicious, while unique, tastes on all meat. Smartphone compatible using Incorporated WiFire technology, the app controls the temperature with a few easy taps.
Features: Smartphone compatible for precision cooking, powered by the D2 Direct Drive drive-train, Turbo Temp for hotter and faster heating, 780 square inch cooking capacity (that holds 6 chickens at once!), and access to hundreds of wood pellet grill recipes.
Price: RRP $1900.00
Where to buy: Appliances Online
4. CROSSRAY 4-Burner Trolley Infrared BBQ
This gas BBQ has a sleek design and it cooks just as sleek as well. Using unique infrared heating technology, the CROSSRAY BBQ is truly multi-functional and uses 50% less gas compared to any other traditional gas BBQ.
Features: Infrared technology. 2-piece upper level, multi-purpose design allows for barbecuing, grilling, pizza cooking, outdoor oven use and smoking, and energy efficient
Price: $1,699.00
Where to buy: Bunnings
3. Ziegler & Brown Turbo Classic 4 Burner Build In
Build your own outdoor kitchen with this Ziegler and Brown BBQ. The four burner BBQ takes culinary cuisine to the next level and can be used alone, or added to more appliances and grills for an expansive kitchen worthy of any master chef. This BBQ is LPG compatible.
Features: 10 year comprehensive warranty, warming rack, enamelled cast iron hotplate and grill, two award winning Radiant Quartz Technology (RQT), heavy duty stainless steel brackets and easy clean design.
Price: $1,149.00
Where to buy: Barbeques Galore
2. Weber BBQ 53060024 Q2000 LPG
Easily portable and perfect for balconies or backyard BBQs, the Weber Q2000 is the number one selling BBQ on Appliances Online! Suitably sized to cook for a family of four, the push start button makes for quick gas cooking as pre-heating starts in an instant. Weber Q barbecues are a market leader for their versatility and design.
Features: Featuring a removable drip tray for easy cleaning, the Q2000 has two fold-out shelves and a Push Button Ignition to start. The Q2000 is made from durable cast-aluminium, rust-resistant cast iron cooking grills and a glass reinforced nylon frame. You can also later purchase extra cooking accessories such as the Easy Serve Pizza Tray or the official Weber Q Rotisserie Kit.
Price: RRP $469.00
Where to buy: Appliances Online
1. Kamado Joe Classic D&C on Cart Series II - Black
Kamado Joe makes iconic charcoal barbecues that deliver that delicious BBQ taste every time thanks to the trademark ability to insulate and circulate heat. They are definitely an investment but the expert craftsmanship that goes into these ceramic BBQs is unparalleled. Their uniquely designed barbecues use charcoal as fuel and act as a griller, smoker and oven all rolled into one. The Kamado Joe Classic II features thick walls and a heat-resistant shell that locks in smoke and moisture while cooking.
Features: The dome includes a counterbalanced Air Lift Hinge and element-proof Kontrol Tower top vent. The cooking surface is made from commercial-grade 304 stainless steel. This BBQ comes with a heavy-duty rolling cast iron cart and a removable ash drawer for cleaning. The Kamado Joe Classic also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Price: $2,199.00
Where to buy: Barbeques Galore